Four SMS shortcodes cover most government scheme checks in Pakistan: 8171 for BISP eligibility, 8070 for Punjab’s PSER survey and Ration Card, 8800 for Punjab’s Solar Scheme registration, and 786 for Sindh’s Petrol Subsidy. Each shortcode belongs to a different database, so sending your CNIC to the wrong one won’t return a useful result. This guide lists the correct format for each.
8171 — BISP Eligibility Check
Send your CNIC number, without dashes, as a plain text SMS to 8171. This is the official shortcode for the 8171 eligibility check under BISP / Ehsaas, and it reads directly from your NSER record.
You’ll receive a reply within a few minutes stating your eligibility status and payment amount if applicable. This shortcode only works for BISP-related programs, not provincial schemes.
8070 — PSER Survey and Ration Card
Send your CNIC number to 8070 to check your PSER Survey status or Punjab Ration Card eligibility. This is Punjab’s own registration system, separate from the federal NSER database used by 8171.
A reply confirms whether your household is registered under PSER and what benefits, such as Ration Card support, you may be eligible for. This shortcode is specific to Punjab residents.
8800 — Punjab Solar Scheme Registration
Send your CNIC to 8800 to register for Punjab’s Solar Panel Scheme, also known as Roshan Gharana. This shortcode is used specifically for the SMS registration step of the solar scheme, not for general eligibility checks.
After sending your CNIC, you’re entered into the registration pool, which is later followed by computerized balloting and physical verification. This shortcode does not apply to BISP or any other cash program.
786 — Sindh Petrol Subsidy
Send your CNIC to 786 to register for Sindh’s Petrol Subsidy program through the Sindh Excise Department. This shortcode is unique to Sindh and does not apply to any Punjab or federal scheme.
A reply confirms your registration status for the fuel subsidy, which is separate from any other welfare or cash-support program.
Why Sending the Wrong Shortcode Doesn’t Work
Each shortcode connects to one specific database, similar to how CNIC eligibility checks work more broadly. Sending your CNIC to 8171 will never return Solar Scheme or Petrol Subsidy results, since 8171 only reads BISP-linked NSER data.
Always confirm which shortcode matches the specific scheme you’re checking before sending your CNIC, since a “no record found” reply usually means you’ve messaged the wrong shortcode, not that you’re ineligible.
Send your CNIC number, without dashes, to the correct shortcode for your scheme, and never trust a shortcode you saw in an SMS or link instead of the four listed here.
FAQs
Are these SMS shortcodes free to use?
Yes, sending your CNIC to any of these official shortcodes is free or charged only at your standard SMS rate, and no scheme charges a separate registration fee. Any message asking for payment through these shortcodes is not official.
What format should I use when sending my CNIC?
Send only your 13-digit CNIC number as plain text, without dashes or spaces. Adding extra text or symbols can cause the system to return an error.
Can I use 8171 to check a provincial scheme like Solar or Petrol Subsidy?
No, 8171 only checks BISP and NSER-linked eligibility. Provincial schemes each use their own shortcode, such as 8800 for Punjab Solar or 786 for Sindh Petrol Subsidy.
Why did I get no reply after sending my CNIC?
This can happen if your SIM balance is too low, your CNIC format was incorrect, or you sent it to the wrong shortcode for your scheme. Confirm the correct shortcode and try again with your CNIC as plain digits only.
Does 8070 work outside Punjab?
No, 8070 is specific to Punjab’s PSER and Ration Card systems. Residents of other provinces should use their own province’s official shortcode or portal instead.
What if a shortcode reply asks me to click a link?
Official shortcode replies do not ask you to click a link or provide bank details. Treat any such reply as a scam, and refer to our guide on avoiding fake BISP SMS scams for more warning signs.